The massive traffic jam that occurred at the East Brebes exit gate in Central Java during this year’s Idul Fitri mass exodus is proof of the country’s economic growth, a top government official said, referring to Indonesia’s ‘brexit'.

National Development Planning Minister Sofyan Djalil said at his office on Tuesday that massive traffic jam was proof that the middle class could afford to purchase cars, indicating that the country’s economy was growing.

“However, ‘Brexit’ was a valuable lesson for us,” Sofyan said, adding that President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo had instructed relevant ministries to accelerate the development of the trans-Java toll road.

The East Brebes exit gate gained infamy this year when thousands of vehicles got caught for an average of 12 hours in Idul Fitri exodus traffic at the gate.

The Brebes Health Agency recorded 18 deaths related to the Idul Fitri exodus in the regency. Some of the victims, the agency said, died due to extreme fatigue and heart problems caused by the Brexit traffic jam that stretched more than 20 kilometers.

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It is commonplace in journalism to write two types of articles at the transition point between the year that has passed and the New Year. As this writer qualifies as an “old hand” in observing Thailand with a track record dating back 14 years, it is time take a shot at what may unfold in Thailand in 2011.

The first issue that can’t be answered is the health of Thailand’s beloved King Bhumibol, who is now 83 years old. He is the world's longest reigning monarch, but elaborate birthday celebrations in December failed to mask concern over his health. More

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